In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir, Indian defence websites have come under cyber assault from Pakistan-based hackers. These attacks coincide with a broader escalation in hostilities, including cross-border skirmishes and diplomatic reprisals.Reuters
According to Indian military officials, attempts were made to infiltrate four military-associated websites, including one belonging to an organization responsible for housing projects for serving and retired Indian Army personnel. The cyber intrusions aimed to harvest sensitive information, signaling a coordinated effort to compromise India’s defence infrastructure. Reuters
The cyber offensives follow a brutal incident in Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, where assailants targeted Hindu tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities. India has identified the attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, and accused Pakistan of supporting militancy in the region—a claim Pakistan denies, calling for a neutral investigation. Reuters
In response to the escalating situation, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant river-sharing agreement, while Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened with military leaders, granting them the autonomy to determine an appropriate response to the Pahalgam attack. Reuters
The recent cyber attacks underscore the vulnerabilities in India’s digital defence mechanisms. A 2024 study highlighted significant shortcomings in India’s cyber defence readiness, particularly in real-time threat detection and response capabilities. The study emphasized the need for implementing machine learning-based threat detection systems and enhancing the training of cyber professionals to bolster national security. arXiv
As the situation continues to evolve, the Indian government is expected to intensify efforts to fortify its cyber infrastructure and develop comprehensive strategies to counteract such threats.
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